Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy最新文献

The aim of this study was to explore motivations women describe for using pornography. A qualitative online interview study was conducted with 30 women (Mean age 30.23, range 20-47; residing in the UK and in Greece; of varied sexual orientations and relationship status) about their pornography use, motivations for use, and preferences. Reflexive thematic analysis was used. Results were organized into four themes: Sexual Precursors, Non-sexual Precursors, Intended Outcomes, and Unintended Outcomes. The findings highlight that pornography use for women can have both positive and negative ramifications for women's sexual lives. Implications for clinical practice and education are discussed.

Parallel to the advent of social media and the easy access to online pornographic content there is a sharp increase in adolescent females expressing gender dysphoria worldwide. This paper argues that treatment of gender dysphoria in female adolescents must include explicit exploration into their use and exchange of pornographic content, as well as possible online or offline contacts with adults. Possible avenues of how pornographic content may increase the shame and fear of becoming a woman include the acquisition of misogynistic sexual scripts based on false assumptions on sexuality including the normalization of the violation of females as pleasurable for them, peer influence among female friendship groups, the susceptibility of our medical systems to "mass hysteria" phenomena, easier access of adults with sexually abusive intentions to youth through social media, sexual abuse and victim blaming on females, as well as the influence of pornography on mentalization capacities. As the influence of pornography on gender dysphoria in girls is understudied, this paper provides questions for qualitative and quantitative research, case studies and history taking. Especially the lack of an adequate other during exposure may aggravate false assumptions on gender roles and gender inequality seen in mainstream pornography. Girls affected by autism might be at higher risk because of their reduced mentalization capacities. Working through experiences associated with pornographic content and sexually abusive experiences may correct false beliefs about gender inequality and therefore might alleviate gender dysphoria.

Despite much empirical study of the complex association between pornography use and relationship health, little research has been conducted on the quality of communication about pornography use within relationships, which may meaningfully impact its association with relationship health. We used reflexive thematic analysis and behavioral intimacy theory to analyze responses to an online survey in which 146 individuals (77.3% women) in committed relationships described their communication with their partner about pornography use. Themes drawn from participants' responses included: 1) Discussing pornography use is not vulnerable (anymore); (2) Asymmetrical vulnerability within the couple; (3) Disappointment and divergent values present in suppressive events; (4) Sharing the struggle of navigating unwanted pornography use; and (5) Selective reinforcement: encouraging some, but not all, vulnerable behavior, which included two subthemes: (a) Your pornography use is not okay, but I'm glad you told me; and (b) You can use pornography; I just don't need to hear about it. Findings provide guidance to help couples navigate conversations about pornography use in ways that enhance relationship health.

The Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women (SSS-W) is a psychometrically sound, widely used instrument for assessing sexual satisfaction and distress in women. Because the majority of scale items are gender nonspecific, numerous researchers have adapted this scale for use in male samples. The goal of the current study was to assess the reliability and validity of a slightly modified version of the SSS-W in a male sample (N = 268). A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of five previously established factors provided evidence for consistency of internal structure in men. The adapted scale (SSS) exhibited acceptable test-retest reliability, as well as evidence for validity based on relationships with theoretically predicted variables. Taken together, there is evidence to suggest that the SSS may be a reliable and valid psychometric tool for the measurement of sexual satisfaction and distress in both men and women.

Negative genital self-image is linked with lower sexual satisfaction, but no research has examined its association with perceptions of partners' sexual satisfaction. In two studies (N = 475, N = 234), we examined links between genital self-image and own and individuals' perceived partner sexual satisfaction. In the second study, we tested whether a mindfulness intervention moderated these associations. In both studies, more negative genital self-image was significantly associated with individuals' lower own and perceived partner sexual satisfaction concurrently and over a two-week period. Mindfulness intervention exposure did not moderate associations. Findings support negative genital self-image as a risk factor for sexual dissatisfaction.

Studies of minor-attracted persons have mainly focused on their sexual attractions, and little is known about their romantic attractions. This online qualitative survey study collected 74 self-identified minor-attracted men's anonymous accounts of romantic attraction to minors. Using reflexive thematic analysis, three themes were identified and interpreted: (1) Falling in Love; (2) Recognizing Limitations to Attraction and Relationship Development; (3) Making Sense and Meaning of Romantic Attraction to Minors. Overall, romantic attraction to minors resembles romantic attraction to adults. Findings have implications for how conceptualization, assessment, and treatment of minor attraction may each consider both sexual and romantic domains.

This study explored the relationships between sexual health indicators (i.e., sexual satisfaction, distress, and function) and the DSM-5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders, a promising dimensional framework for assessing personality pathology. A sample of 489 participants seeking help in private practice clinics completed self-report measures of sexual satisfaction, distress, and function, as well as dyadic adjustment, psychological distress, romantic attachment, personality impairment, and pathological personality facets. Results first showed that participants reaching the cutoffs for a personality disorder had significantly higher sexual distress and lower sexual function compared to participants without a personality disorder. Second, path analyses controlling for psychological distress, dyadic adjustment, and romantic attachment revealed that, for women, the Criterion B Intimacy Avoidance facet was consistently linked with higher sexual distress and lower sexual satisfaction and function. For men, result patterns were more complex, linking Criterion B Separation Insecurity with high sexual distress, and Separation Insecurity and Intimacy Avoidance facets with low sexual function. In addition, Criterion B Irresponsibility, Rigid Perfectionism, as well as Criterion A Intimacy impairment were linked with higher sexual satisfaction. These findings improve our understanding of the links between personality and sexual health and provide support for considering personality difficulties in sexual health interventions.

The aim of this study is to investigate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Sexual Interest and Desire Inventory-Female (SIDI-F). This methodological study was conducted with 268 women who met the sampling criteria between January and February 2024. Validity analysis was performed using the content validity index, convergent and divergent validity, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis. Pearson product-moment correlation and Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficients were used for reliability analysis. To evaluate invariance of the inventory over time, test-retest measurements were conducted three weeks apart and showed no difference in mean scores (p > .05). Corrected item-total score correlations ranged from 0.303 to 0.846 in the positive direction and were statistically highly significant. Adjusted goodness-of-fit index > 0.85 and comparative fit index > 0.90 confirmed the construct validity of the Turkish SIDI-F. The Cronbach Alpha was found to be .88, indicating high internal consistency. The Turkish version of SIDI-F can be used as a measurement tool to determine the level of sexual interest and arousal.

The construct of inclusion of other in the self has been established as one of the most influential measures for relationship closeness in romantic relationships. It is regularly associated with relational well-being, sexual satisfaction, as well as mental health. However, the degree of closeness one desires in the present relationship is person-specific and can differ from the closeness one actually experiences. Exploring these discrepancies, the present study focused on the association between not enough closeness and too much closeness and relationship characteristics, parenting, and extradyadic sexual activity. Data from a population-based sample of 3,161 men and women from the German Health and Sexuality Survey were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Our results confirm closeness discrepancies as prevalent relationship phenomena, while identifying feelings of not enough closeness as much more problematic for the relationship.

This study aims to systematically interpret and synthesize the data obtained from qualitative research about the sexual lives of women with diabetes. A thorough literature review was conducted between May and July 2023 across five electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, EBSCO, and Science Direct Embase. Eight studies published in English since 2000, which explored the sexual experiences of women with diabetes, were included in this assessment. The sexual experiences of women with diabetes were summarized under five main themes: perception of sexuality, changes in sexual life, adapting to the new normal, unmet care needs, and expectations. This review underlines the intricate nature of diabetic women's sexual experiences, acknowledging the substantial impact of diabetes-related complications and the associated emotional stress on their quality of life and intimate relationships. The study finds that awareness varies among women, with some adapting to the changes brought on by diabetes, while others remain uninformed about its impact on their sexual health. There is a pronounced need for integrating sexual health into diabetes care routines. Many women face unaddressed sexual health concerns and require education and empathetic care from knowledgeable health professionals.